Bridgeport Art Center WeddingRustic wedding venue chicago

Alanna and Zach wanted a rustic chicago wedding and found a dream spot at Bridgeport Art Center. It’s a unique urban warehouse venue perfect for a wedding ceremony with a timber loft indoor space and outdoor Sculpture Garden located in one of Chicago’s burgeoning art scenes. Once they chose the venue, Alanna’s mom and Maria of Ivy & Plum Events took care of the rest. Every detail of this Bridgeport Art Center wedding was well planned and meticulously executed. One of my favorite elements was the french silk ribbon wedding favors. The ribbons (as explained on little notes placed at each table setting) originated in the 17th century and symbolize love, health, and happiness for the newlyweds. Many guests wore them as brooches. You can see them in some of my late night dance photos. Those brooches are my favorite wedding favors ever!

During my walk-through with Alanna and her mother Laura a few weeks before the wedding we were having a candid conversation and Alanna mentioned that she disliked high-heals and wanted to wear flats on her wedding day. She also said she planned on keeping her hair long and natural because Zach liked it this way (Ah! how cute is that?!). Laura, who I came to know a bit and really like throughout the process, didn’t object but delicately suggested otherwise. On the wedding day Alanna ended up wearing mid-height heels and kept her hair long but pulled back a bit. I think she looked stunning!

So yay, cheers to Moms and their valuable suggestions! Personal note: I don’t usually enjoy unsolicited advice from my mom but she is often right! (Man, she’ll love hearing that I finally admitted it and put it in writing. haha)